Adult Abuse Investigator

Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is seeking an Adult Abuse Investigator to screen and investigates complaints of abuse against adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders. The ideal candidate will have both relevant educational and professional experience that demonstrates understanding of: adults who experience IDD, severe and persistent mental illness, or another vulnerable population; the screening and abuse investigative process; person centered thinking principles; how to navigate Oregon statutes and administrative rules; and report writing. The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication, time management, and critical thinking skills. Candidate must also be able to travel throughout the County to conduct screenings and investigations.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Adult Abuse Investigator classification is a specialized classification primarily oriented to conducting investigations and comprehensive assessments to provide protective services for adult individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental illness; and follow-up on complaints and allegations of client abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Perform complex field investigations and research and ensure legal compliance per Oregon Administrative Rules. Conduct investigations of abuse/neglect complaints and protective service referrals. Independently prepare comprehensive written reports and research, conduct in-depth/sensitive interviews, and make formal recommendations regarding the care of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and individuals with mental illness, who may be victim of abuse or neglect based on independently conducted field investigations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works independently under the general supervision of designated management staff who assigns work, establishes goals, and reviews the results obtained for overall effectiveness through the analysis of reports and conferences.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision of other employees is not a primary responsibility of positions in this classification, may assist in the supervision of practicum students or volunteers.

Typical Duties – Duties include, but are not limited to the following

Screen, respond to and investigate reports of alleged adult client abuse within OAR required timelines, including assessing and assuring protective services for eligible adults (I/DD, MH, SUDS). Complete investigation and written report within OAR required timelines. Conduct adult abuse investigations on-site at residential, employment, or family home, or in the community. Interview all relevant persons and write reports using Centralized Abuse Management System (CAMS). Maintain strict confidentiality. Maintain compliance with documentation and record keeping standards. Submit report to supervisor for review. Send reports to state OTIS office for final approval. Refer investigation recommendations for correction to the CAPS licensing specialist as appropriate. Coordinate with providers, licensing specialist and/or case managers as appropriate, to assure protective services and investigation recommendations have been completed within designated timelines. Work with local law enforcement agency to complete appropriate investigations. Participate in Contested Case Hearings with OTIS as needed.

Provide consultation/technical assistance to service providers and case managers regarding issues of abuse. Provide consultation to service providers, including health and human service department staff and case managers regarding issues of advocacy and client rights. Assist the CDDP and CMHP manager in monitoring the quality of services delivered within the county; and assist the CDDP and CMHP manager in the identification needed system and service delivery improvements to assure health and safety of clients and prevent abuse.

Participate in regularly scheduled meetings and trainings relevant to position and to maintain investigator qualifications, including but not limited to: Adult Abuse Investigation Team meetings, MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) meetings, monthly Quality Council meetings, OTIS quarterlies, monthly OTIS call ins, and critical review meetings.

Interface with the OTIS required data management systems for screenings, abuse report writing, and incident reporting. Utilize MCHHS, CCO, and ODDS electronic health record systems including Raintree, Laserfiche Intouch, eXPRS as needed for screenings and report development. Maintain internal database and monitoring systems for abuse screening and investigation reports as they occur.

Provide or respond to reports from ODDS, MCHHS or other entities as requested.

Other job duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Response Level 2: In the event of an emergency, employee makes a reasonable effort to report to work. Employee may be required to perform duties outside of their regularly assigned duties. Employee may be requested to work an extended or flexible schedule. Staff at this response level must complete Incident Command System 100 and 700 on-line or in-person training.

Requirements for the Position

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Possession of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education. Criminal Justice or a related field and one (1) year paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness; OR

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Criminal Justice or a related filed and three (3) years paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness; OR

Seven (7) years of equivalent training and paraprofessional work experience as described above; OR

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The finalist for this position may be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.

This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/policy.aspx?p=policy&pid=518.

Must possess a current driver’s license in the applicant’s state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.

If required to use personal vehicle for business use, must possess and maintain proof of personal automobile liability insurance at a minimum in the amount required by Oregon Law [ORS Chapter 806].

Successful completion of Developmental Disability and Mental Health OTIS Core Competencies Training within six months of hire.

This position may be subject to the following: Must not be excluded from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549).

In order to be considered for employment with Marion County Developmental Disability Services, applicants must not have had any founded reports of child abuse or substantiated abuse.

This is a full-time job, which is eligible for overtime.

This assignment is represented by a union.

Typical Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
Thorough knowledge: of OAR relating to Abuse and Protective Service Investigations; laws and regulations regarding involuntary commitment, protective services and guardianship/conservatorship; principles and practices of investigation and research, including ethical interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods and techniques of negotiation; principles and techniques of interviewing; case management techniques and practices; knowledge of local social service agencies and community resources.

Ability to: write accurate, complete and appropriate reports using proper grammar, punctuation and spelling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Drives a motor vehicle and maintains an acceptable driving history; sees using depth perception; stands; sits; moves about the work area; climbs 1 floor of stairs; reaches overhead; lifts up to 15 lbs.; pushes and pulls up to 10 lbs.; moves carts weighing up to 10 lbs.; carries items weighing up to 5 lbs. for up to 100 yards; operates a keyboard; speaks with a clear and audible voice; reads a 12 pt. font; hears a whispered level of speech; works in areas that may be exposed to dust, smoke, vibration, noise, wet areas, and chemicals; is required to occasionally travel outside of the office into client homes, residential programs, employment settings, and community at large to conduct screenings, interviews, review evidence, and conduct investigative tasks.